Cover
Volume 7, Special Issue 4 (2026)

Published: August 25, 2026

Pages: 112-124

Research Article

Digital transformation in universities and its role in supporting sustainable development and enhancing international trade openness: An analytical study of a selected sample of developing countries (2004–2024)

Jiyan J. Shiba 1 Sara A. Sulaiman 1
1College of Administration and Economics, University of Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
History
  • Received: June 13, 2026
  • Available Online: August 25, 2026
DOI

https://doi.org/10.56967/ejfb2026923

Abstract

This study examines digital transformation in universities and its role in supporting sustainable development and enhancing international trade openness through an econometric analytical study of a sample of developing countries, namely Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Tunisia. The study is based on the premise that digital transformation in universities represents one of the most significant contemporary global transformations, exerting a direct influence on human capital development and the international economy. The study aims to analyze the impact of digital transformation in universities on supporting sustainable development and promoting international trade openness in the selected sample countries. To achieve this objective, both descriptive-analytical and quantitative approaches were employed, utilizing appropriate econometric techniques. The findings indicate that university digital transformation has a positive and significant effect on sustainable development and contributes to enhancing international trade openness. Based on these findings, the study recommends strengthening digital infrastructure, establishing a digital framework that supports sustainable digital transformation, increasing investments in university digital transformation, and enhancing digital training and capacity-building programs for academic staff and students in higher education institutions.

Keywords

References

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